In search of an incredible hiking vacation in Maine? Acadia National Park spans more than 47,000 acres of granite peaks, glacially carved lakes, and dramatic Atlantic coastline on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It is simply one of the most beautiful places in the United States, at least in my opinion, and its trail network is a huge part of what makes it so special.
My husband and I explored the park with his family and knocked out some incredible trails while we were here. Below are my three favorite hikes, all of which I’d recommend without hesitation. Be sure to download the AllTrails app before you go — it’s an invaluable resource for maps, difficulty ratings, and trail reviews, and I always have it with me on the trails. I’ve been using the free version lately, but when I was taking a lot of hiking vacations a few years ago, I upgraded to the paid version and it was well worth it.
Head over to Lily Travel for more trip planning guides, travel tips, and destination inspiration.
Safety & Hiking Levels
Before we dive into the hikes themselves, I want to talk a bit about safety, fitness levels and how to choose hikes that are the best fit for you. I’ll explain a bit about my hiking experience, some dos-and-don’ts for hiking and then I’ll get into the actual hikes I recommend in Acadia National Park.
What Makes an Intermediate Hiker?
I consider myself to be an “intermediate level” hiker, but what is that exactly? I am fit enough to handle steep terrain, rock scrambles and can manage rugged trails. However, I am not experienced enough to handle overnight, multi-day hikes, nor am I comfortable hiking on trails that aren’t well marked. I also never hike alone. That’s not to say you can’t or shouldn’t, I’m just not comfortable with it.
I take a lot of hiking vacations, but I tend to prefer hikes to be between 3-7 miles depending on the elevation. I will stack the hikes if I want to go to various areas in a park within one day. I have never exceeded 14 miles in a day of hiking – that is my maximum. I do not enjoy camping overnight (I like my running water and mattresses), but I have hiked in rain, waist-deep snow and higher temperatures.
If my experience sounds like you, this blog post will be a helpful guide for you. If you are a beginner hiker, I have some recommendations in here that will suit you as well. If you are a hard-core, advanced hiker, I am admittedly not on your level.
Hiking Safety MUSTS in Acadia National Park
Some of these pointers may sound obvious, but I want to say them anyway, as it will help you enjoy your hike and stay safe on your journey.
- ALWAYS bring a compass and have a copy of a trail map. NEVER rely entirely on your phone or a digital map if you don’t know the area or if you’re on a trail that isn’t particularly well marked. You can’t count on having phone service in more remote areas, and you shouldn’t ever expect that your technology won’t ever fail you. Even if you’re not on a super long hike, it’s a good idea to have a solid navigation plan in case things go awry.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks. Even for those shorter hikes, it’s important to stay hydrated!
- It’s not a bad idea to pack bear spray. This is true whether you are hiking on the East or West Coast of the United States. Bear spray is your best protection against Black Bears and Grizzlies (and let’s face it, as a female hiker we have to think about these things – bear spray would work well on any two-legged threats as well). While Black Bears are usually very timid and are more likely to run away from you before you even know they’re there, there have been several Black Bear fatalities and injuries over the years, so while very, very rare, they do happen. When Black Bears become habituated to humans, this is inevitable, so just be prepared with some bear spray. If you’re hiking out West, bear spray is your best option when it comes to Grizzlies, so you should really always carry it in Grizzly territory. Don’t bother with those silly bells I see people wear for bears – the bears can smell you and hear you without the “dinner bell”, so just don’t.
My 3 Favorite Hikes in Acadia National Park
Okay, so now for some of my favorite hikes we did in Acadia National Park. These are ideal for “intermediate level” hikers who want relatively short hikes so they can fit in other parts of the park in a day.
Hike #1: Jordan Pond to South Bubble Summit
AllTrails Rating: Moderate Distance: ~3.1 miles (Out & Back) Elevation Gain: 524 feet
The Jordan Pond to South Bubble Summit trail is one of those hikes that starts deceptively gently — a flat, scenic walk along the edge of Jordan Pond — and then suddenly asks a lot more of you as you begin your ascent to the summit of South Bubble. The climb involves serious rock scrambling, bouldering, and a few sections where you’ll need to use your hands to hoist yourself up onto ledges. It is steep, technical in places, and will get your cardio up.
The reward at the top is stunning: sweeping views over Jordan Pond, the surrounding peaks, and the Atlantic in the distance. It is one of the most satisfying summits I’ve reached anywhere, made even better because it’s accessible without a full-day commitment.
A Few Things to Know:
- The trail is rated Moderate on AllTrails and earns that rating — don’t underestimate the upper section. Some hikers who have reviewed this trail said it should be rated Hard, due to the more technical sections.
- Those with a significant fear of heights may find the steeper portions challenging. In fact, when I hiked it, there was a woman who made it up almost all the way and then panicked and wanted to climb back down, which is arguably more dangerous and difficult – so it’s not for those that are terrified of heights.
- I am 99% certain this trail can be connected with the South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop (see below) for a longer outing — they share overlapping terrain around South Bubble, though they are technically separate routes on AllTrails. If you’d like to combine the two trails, just double check before you go, especially since trail routes can change with erosion, hiker traffic, etc.
Hike #2: South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop
AllTrails Rating: Moderate Distance: ~1.5 miles (Loop) Elevation Gain: 488 feet
The South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop is a shorter but wonderfully rewarding loop that takes you up to the summit of South Bubble — home to Bubble Rock, famously perched on the very edge of a steep cliff face and looking as though it could topple at any moment. The rock scramble to get there is genuinely fun, and the views at the top are among the best in the park.
This is one of my favorite hikes in Acadia for its combination of visual drama, accessible length, and just enough challenge to make you earn the views. The descent via Jordan Pond puts you on the beautiful northern shore of the pond with those iconic Bubbles reflected in the crystal-clear water.
A Few Things to Know:
- The hike is short but packs in significant elevation gain for its distance — your legs will know they worked.
- Though listed as a separate route from the Jordan Pond to South Bubble Summit trail, these two trails share terrain around South Bubble and I believe they can be combined for a more substantial outing.
- Dogs are technically allowed, but not recommended due to the Bubbles Trails terrain.
- Arrive early — parking at Jordan Pond fills up quickly during peak season.
Hike #3: Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail
AllTrails Rating: Hard Distance: ~3.1 miles (Loop) Elevation Gain: 1,158 feet
The Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail is, in my opinion, the most adventurous of the three — and the most memorable. The trail climbs Dorr Mountain, the second highest peak in Acadia, via a relentless series of granite stone steps and three iron ladders bolted directly into the rock face. It is steep, sustained, and absolutely exhilarating.
My husband’s family led us up this one and it did not disappoint. The iron ladder sections are fixed and well-maintained, but they require confidence and sure footing — not the hike for someone brand new to technical terrain. Once you reach the summit, the views are extraordinary. Knowing you climbed the mountain via the side of a cliff face makes it all the sweeter.
A Few Things to Know:
- The 1,158 feet of elevation gain in about 3 miles means this trail is aerobically demanding — come prepared.
- Not dog-friendly due to the ladder and rung sections.
- The trail is best used April through October; slippery when wet, so check conditions before you go.
- Reviewers on AllTrails often joke that “Ladder Trail” is a bit of a misnomer — you’ll spend most of your time climbing endless granite stone steps. Consider yourself warned (and prepared).
- This trail does not connect with the Bubble/Jordan Pond trails — it is located near the Sieur de Monts area, closer to Bar Harbor.
Honorable Mention Hikes in Acadia
Not everyone in your group will be at the same fitness level, and that’s okay — Acadia has trails for every kind of hiker. Here are two worth knowing about:
🟢 Easy: Jordan Pond Path
AllTrails Rating: Easy Distance: ~3.3 miles (Loop) Elevation Gain: ~59 feet
The Jordan Pond Path is a mostly flat loop around the perimeter of the stunning glacially carved Jordan Pond, with iconic views of The Bubbles rising from the far shore. The east side of the trail is smooth and gentle, while the west side involves a bit more rocky terrain. It’s a wonderful hike for those who want to take in Acadia’s beauty without a serious climb — and it makes an ideal add-on before or after tackling the South Bubble trails above.
🔴 Hard: The Beehive Loop Trail
AllTrails Rating: Hard Distance: ~1.6 miles (Loop) Elevation Gain: ~508 feet
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush in a compact package, The Beehive Loop Trail is Acadia’s signature thrill hike. The trail ascends via iron rungs, ladders, and exposed granite cliff faces — all in just 1.6 miles. The summit delivers panoramic views of Sand Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and Champlain Mountain.
A few important notes: do not hike the Beehive in wet conditions — the granite and iron rungs become dangerously slippery. The trail should be hiked counterclockwise only (going up the rungs is far safer than descending them). This is not a trail for anyone with a significant fear of heights or for young children. But if you’re fit, fearless, and looking for the most dramatic short hike in the park, the Beehive delivers.
Final Thoughts
Acadia is a hiker’s park, full stop. Whether you’re scrambling up South Bubble, climbing iron ladders on Dorr Mountain, or simply walking the shores of Jordan Pond, the trails here are some of the best in the entire National Park system. My husband’s family introduced me to many of these routes, and I’m so grateful they pushed us beyond the easy options — the views, the challenge, and the sense of accomplishment are what make these hikes unforgettable.
For everything else you need to plan your Acadia trip — where to eat, where to stay, what to do beyond the trails — head to my full Acadia National Park guide. And don’t forget to download AllTrails before you go.
Happy trails! 🌲
